King, in video message, expresses confidence in Jordanians’ ability to rise to the challenge

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah, in a video message to the nation on Monday, expressed confidence in Jordanians’ ability to rise to the responsibility, amidst the current extraordinary circumstances facing Jordan and the world.

Highlighting Jordan’s response to coronavirus disease (COVID-19), King Abdullah said, “the moment global alarm bells were sounded over the coronavirus epidemic, I directed the Government, our armed forces, and security agencies to maintain maximum readiness in countering this threat, and form a crisis cell before a mass outbreak or, God forbid, losing control.”

His Majesty noted that over the past weeks, Jordanians, each in their own capacities, have risen to the challenge, working day and night to counter the COVID-19 threat, according to a Royal Court statement.

“Today — my brothers and sisters, my family, my people and my source of fortitude — each and every one of you is a soldier of this nation, each in your own post,” the King added, noting that Jordanians have always supported one another, and they will remain the Kingdom’s strongest shield.

Following is the English translation of His Majesty’s video message:

“In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful,

My brothers and sisters, my dear sons and daughters,

Peace, God's mercy and blessings be upon you,

In these days, our nation, like the rest of the world, is going through difficult, extraordinary circumstances, which call for extraordinary measures, commitment and cooperation. Jordanians are no strangers to this. I trust that you, my brothers and sisters, can rise to the responsibility, as you have always proven to be up to the challenge.

And I am confident that, God willing, we will overcome these circumstances.

As a soldier, I have learned the importance of pre-emptive planning. This is why the moment global alarm bells were sounded over the coronavirus epidemic, I directed the Government, our armed forces and security agencies to maintain maximum readiness in countering this threat, and form a crisis cell before a mass outbreak or, God forbid, losing control.

Over the past weeks, we have all seen our dear Jordanian brothers and sisters, each in their own capacities, rise to the challenge, working day and night to counter this threat. They stand united with their brothers and sisters in our armed forces, for the dignity (“karamah”) of Jordanians, the dignity all Jordanians have fought and sacrificed for, led by the martyrs and “Nashama” of the Arab Army and security agencies, to whom we proudly pay tribute on the anniversary of Karamah Battle.

And today — my brothers and sisters, my family, my people, and my source of fortitude — each and every one of you is a soldier of this nation, each in your own post. I ask of you, as a father asks of his children, to avoid going out and to abide by official regulations. Let us rise to the responsibility of protecting the nation we love, let us act with dedication and sacrifice, as all the mothers we are celebrating do.

With the blessings of Al Israa wal Miraj surrounding us on its anniversary, I recall the saying of my ancestor, Al Mustafa [Prophet Mohammad], peace and blessings be upon him: “One believer stands by another like a sturdy structure, each bolstering the other.” Jordanians have always supported one another, and they will remain this homeland’s strongest shield.

I pray that God Almighty will protect you and protect Jordan, and bless the efforts of this country’s loyal servants in all their posts.

Peace, God's mercy and blessings be upon you.”